Sacred ascent: a testimony to love and devotion

13 Sept 13:55 Key points summarised by AI

Wat Khao Wong Phrachan in Lopburi invites pilgrims to undertake a challenging 3,790-step ascent, culminating in veneration of sacred relics, including the Buddha's footprint, and Mahayana deities.
The annual Lunar New Year festival transforms the mountain into a 24/7 illuminated spiritual journey, attracting thousands of devotees, particularly Thai-Chinese, to express their faith.
Beyond religious devotion, the grueling climb symbolizes a 'testament to love' for many couples, who strengthen their bond by conquering the ascent together.
Visitors are greeted by the magnificent Luang Phor Phra Phuttha Chok statue at the base and rewarded at the summit with breathtaking panoramic views of Lopburi's plains.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Yesterday 14:22 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Education Ministry is implementing a four-pronged strategy to address its students' below-average performance in PISA 2025 and tackle significant educational inequality.
The plan prioritizes closing performance gaps by increasing funding for small and low-income schools, overhauling the curriculum to foster critical thinking, and adopting a data-driven management system to reduce teacher workload.
Key initiatives include enhancing school safety, combating cyberbullying, and expanding mental health support through peer-to-peer networks, recognizing the severe impact of distress on academic performance.
An education expert advises verifying if PISA improvements stem from structural changes, advocating for a revived STEM curriculum with practical 'learn by doing' methods, and urging bureaucratic reform to link teacher evaluations to student development.